CHICO — Student actors at Chico State University’s department of theatre took a step back in time last week with its presentation of French playwright Moliere’s comedy/drama, “The Learned Ladies,” in the Wismer Theatre.

The pseudonym of Jean Baptiste Poqueling (1622-73), Moliere was considered one of the greatest of comedy writers. His comic types still delight audiences.

Comments have been made that Moliere’s comedies could be appreciated to the fullest only when acted by a brilliant, disciplined company. Chico State’s talented actors proved that to be true. Under the direction of Cynthia Lammel, they brought to life the cultures and affectations of life as lived in 1672 by Parisian salon society. Costumes were authentic, colorful and appealing. Men were dressed and wigged as beautifully as the ladies.

Action takes place in the impressive Paris home of wealthy Chrysale (David Orneallas), where he resides with his overbearing wife, Hilaminte (Gerilyn Brault), and daughters, Armande (Paige Patterson) and Henriette (Lauren Cipoletti).

Henriette loves her handsome suitor, Clitandre (Geoff Horn), but is thwarted in marriage by her mother, elder sister and aunt Belise (Kelsey Kinney). Her father and his brother, Ariste (James Dugan), are in favor of the marriage, but when Henriette turns to her father for support, he admits, “How my wife’s bad temper frightens me.”

Philaminte is determined her daughter will marry a pudgy, pouty fop, Trissotin (Davis Carlson), who entertains the ladies with his mediocre poetry. He is joined by scholar Vadius (Brandon Larson), and they begin a dual of words as each tries to surpass the other with false praise.

Adding to the confusion is the dismissal of an outspoken maid, Matine (Elizabeth Chilcott), for her crime of bad grammar. Actors Zach Burch and Lee Pollero round out the cast of characters.

All’s well that ends well when Henriette’s uncle comes to the rescue and reveals the be-wigged, be-ribboned and bewildered Trissotin as a money-seeking parasite.

Moliere wrote all the dialogue in verse for this satire on academic pretension. It took a while to get used to the pattern of speech in verse before it became a pleasing rhythm easily understood.

The famous playwright was a master of slapstick, using facial expressions, gestures and gags bordering on melodrama. “The Learned Ladies” cast aptly performed his type of humor with sharp, biting dialogue, physical posturing and humorous portrayal of character.

They accurately pictured the French society of that time, accenting their weaknesses and false values. Times have changed, but is present society any different than that of the 17th century?